'Squid Game 2' Receives Mixed Reviews from Overseas Press...Lack of Creativity vs. Immersion

Netflix's original series "The Squid Game 2" has been released globally, and international media reactions have been sharply divided. Major foreign media outlets have offered a variety of perspectives on the show's release, with both cold criticism and enthusiastic praise.

The New York Times, in an article titled "The Squid Game Has a Red Light," harshly criticized Season 2. "It offers more stylish kills, but the story remains stagnant," the publication wrote, noting that "audiences who saw season one will see familiar scenes again." It also noted that "the seven-hour story doesn't make any effort to expand."

The Hollywood Reporter also expressed disappointment. "The fun and whimsy of the first season is gone, and there's a lack of new insights or details," the outlet criticized. "It disappoints in both the world-building and creative elements that audiences have come to expect."

The UK's Guardian said the "pacing is uneven and it takes a long time to get into the action." In particular, "Netflix's profit motive of stretching out a perfectly good story makes season two feel overly long."

On the other hand, there were plenty of positive reviews. U.S. film publication Variety praised the show for "maximizing immersion through an expanded worldview" and for "shedding new light on issues of contemporary Korean society, including capitalist exploitation and class inequality."

The UK Independent praised the show's ability to deliver social messages, saying it "successfully inherits the strengths of its predecessor while overcoming the limitations of its first season." The outlet praised the show's depth, saying it "sharply exposes the dark side of our society."

This season follows the story of Kihoon, who returns to the game with a vengeance, a fierce confrontation between the frontman and the main character, and a new beginning for the game. It is a follow-up to the explosive popularity of the first season, but the reception from international media has been mixed, and the strengths and weaknesses of the show are clear.